A 30-year-old man from Olievenhoutbosch in Centurion appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court this week for allegedly raping his girlfriend.

NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the victim allegedly refused to engage in sexual intercourse with the accused last Friday.

According to Mahanjana, the victim and accused were at their shared residence in Centurion when the alleged rape took place.

“The following day the girlfriend questioned the accused about what had happened the previous night. However, the accused then physically assaulted her. She then reported the matter to the police.”

Mahanjana said the victim managed to lay a criminal charge and the accused was arrested on Sunday, after the girlfriend pointed him out to the police.

The rape case comes shortly after Minister of Police Bheki Cele revealed the fourth quarter crime stats of 2022/23. The stats show that in Olievenhoutbosch, murder, sexual offences and attempted murder increased annually.

Increase in reported rape cases

From January to March, the precinct had already recorded 32 rape cases, which was an increase from 19 recorded in 2022 during the same period.

From 2019 to 2021 the recorded cases were at 17, 16, and 18 respectively.

Cele remarked in his speech that reported rape cases nationwide had shown decreases in the period.

Six provinces reported less rape cases, however, it was concerning that 10 512 people were raped in the first three months of this year.

“[A total of] 4 768 of the rape incidents took place at the home of the victim or at the home of the perpetrator.”

He urged police to fight the crime of rape.

“The declines and improvements in some crime categories are welcomed but should never be interpreted as victories. Crime in the country is still high! Don’t stand down!

“The country and communities you serve need you and you need them to fight and sweep away this common enemy of crime,” said Cele.